Star Trek Bridge Crew, Ubisoft's virtual reality look into the crisis management of running a ship in Star Trek, can now be played without a VR headset.

The new update allows players to buck the VR headset requirement and mix and match with people who have one and people who don't. Much like earlier versions of the game, it can be played cross platform regardless of headset, so Vive, Oculus, and PlayStation VR users had always been able to play with each other. Now, Microsoft Mixed-Reality headset users and anyone with a TV screen that can run the game can also join in the fun.

As VR is no longer necessary for the game, the strain on the system allows for better graphics when not in VR mode. Developer Red Storm says high-end PCs using VR mode can also take advantage of these tweaks.

This is great news, I've been dying to play it with friends who refuse to buy a VR headset. I don't mind them not wanting to get into VR, I just want to experience more Star Trek in co-op. I'm sure it will help the sales of the game too.

I'd be curious to hear how a games designed with VR in mind plays in "standard" mode. It seems like the lion's share of the appeal is built around the notion of sitting in the bridge of a starship while viewing everything in VR. Part of me wants to take the plunge...but, I have a sneaky feeling it would be kinda janky.